The Jeep Meridian Sheds Its Camouflage For The First Time

• Grand Cherokee-inspired bits include sleeker headlights, distinctive front grille, and unique bumpers.

• Cabin looks largely identical to the Compass, with the brown theme, and leather upholstery a lift from the Commander.

• Features to include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, panoramic sunroof, and connected car tech.

• Initially it will only offer the 2.0-litre diesel.

• Production of the made-in-India SUV to commence in May.

It was only 10 days ago when we got confirmation that the upcoming Jeep Compass-based 7-seater SUV would be called the Meridian (Commander in markets abroad). And now, the carmaker’s finally given us a first look at the made-in-India three-row SUV. Here’s what we noticed.

While it is based on the Compass, it clearly takes inspiration from the Grand Cherokee. The sleeker headlights, distinctive front grille, as well as the unique bumpers with the connecting chrome bar, all line up with the Commander sold abroad. While we haven’t had a look at the rear, it should be upright like the Commander.  

Looking at the overall silhouette we can definitely tell the difference between the Meridian and the Compass, with the former getting a taller roofline. This should help in offering a bit more headroom, especially for third-row occupants.

 

While the interior shot shared by Jeep doesn’t exactly reveal all the details, we've noticed an identical dashboard to the Compass. Moreover, it’s finished in a brown theme and leather upholstery that adds a bit of premiumness like the Commander. Hopefully we also get the ‘Jeep 1941’ badging (the Willys Jeep was born in 1940) on the seats and front armrest from the Commander too.

As for features, we noticed a panoramic sunroof and the 10.1-inch infotainment system from the Compass, which should also then include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected car tech. Other expected bits should include dual-zone climate control, a wireless phone charger, powered front seats, and a digital driver’s display. The international model (Commander) also came with a 10- speaker 450W Harman Kardon sound system, Alexa in-vehicle functions, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which will probably make it to the Meridian too,

Under the hood, Jeep India has confirmed three powertrains, and we think it’ll start with a 2-litre diesel engine in a higher state of tune. It is likely to get manual and automatic transmission options with all-wheel drivetrain being optional. Jeep has also revealed independent front and rear suspension for the Meridian. There’s no petrol option for now, but we think it could show up at a later stage in the form of the Stellantis’ latest 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine.

Production of the Jeep Meridian will commence in May at the Ranjangaon manufacturing facility in Pune. It will be offered in two trims (Likely to be the Overland and Limited trims like the Commander). Expect a launch around the same timeframe, with prices likely to start from Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom). It will take on the Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and Mahindra Alturas G4.